Arsenal could now beat Barcelona to the signing of Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren with a January deal in the pipeline.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have taken a ‘step forward’ in the race to sign Royal Antwerp teenager Arthur Vermeeren.
That is according to Catalan newspaper SPORT, who claim that Barcelona are ‘close to falling out’ of the race for Vermeeren.
Arsenal saw Jorginho struggle against West Ham United on Wednesday night whilst Thomas Partey continues to suffer injury problems.
That means a midfield addition in 2024 wouldn’t be a huge surprise and Arsenal could focus on Vermeeren…
Arsenal ‘step forward’ in Arthur Vermeeren race
Catalan newspaper SPORT now state that Barcelona are in danger of missing out on Vermeeren.
That is because Arsenal have ‘taken a step forward’ and are looking into a January deal worth around €15million (£13million).
Barcelona scouts love Vermeeren and believe that he would be an ideal fit for the style of play under Xavi Hernandez.
It’s stated that Arsenal ‘seem convinced’ by Vermeeren and could now land him in 2024.
Vermeeren allegedly knows that he will be leaving Royal Antwerp in 2024, whether that is in January or at the end of the season.
Reports from 90min in October suggested that Tottenham Hotspur were in the race for Vermeeren too, but Arsenal now appear to be the favourites.
Who is Arsenal target Vermeeren?
Vermeeren has emerged in the Royal Antwerp ranks and is now a first-team regular at just 18.
The teenager has already played more than 50 games for Royal Antwerp, recording two goals and seven assists.
Vermeeren won the league and cup double in Belgium last season and already has one senior Belgium cap to his name.
Former Tottenham defender and current Royal Antwerp ace Toby Alderweireld has hailed Vermeeren’s ‘enormous potential’ and there have been comparisons to Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
That kind of talent will appeal to Ange Postecoglou but Arteta and Arsenal may now win the race.
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